When it comes to fashion, body type inclusivity is a real issue faced by people the world over. Seeing a photo of a gorgeous dress then finding out they don’t stock it in your size can be disheartening, to say the least. Fortunately, some brands are catching on by making beautiful ethical clothing for every body!
Here are eight ethical and sustainable brands for plus-sized fashionistas:
Harlow Dress – Ships internationally
Elizabeth Suzann is a brand that believes in doing things right. Their focus is on thoughtfully designed, timeless essentials made with natural fabrics like hemp twill. Their garments are long-lasting and locally designed, cut and sewn under one roof in the US.
The Essential Short Sleeve Top – Ships internationally
Canada-based Encircled creates ethically-made, versatile women’s fashion for life and travel, from sustainable and eco-conscious fabrics, including Tencel. The brand also recycles off-cuts created during the manufacturing process, which is an added bonus!
Pleated Skirt – Ships internationally
Many of us know Marks and Sparks for their quality underwear, but it doesn’t stop there. Over the years the British brand has set some strong environmental and labour policies. It’s Carbon Trust certified and it uses some eco-friendly materials, like recycled nylon, recycled polyester and organic cotton!
Legging – Ships internationally
For cute leggings and sports bras that are gentle on your body and the planet, look no further. Girlfriend Collective is a truly transparent company with sustainability and inclusivity in mind. Their luxurious activewear for women is certified by both OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and BlueSign. Girlfriend Collective’s factory in Vietnam is also SA8000 certified, which measures social performance in eight areas important to social accountability in workplaces.
Alexa Cardi – Ships internationally
Ace & Jig is a textile love story. The brand does not use any animal products and reduces its carbon emissions by hand-weaving its products, which are made-to-order. It also reduces wastage by using its cutting room scraps and provides clothing care instructions so you can make your items last longer!
Maniac Printed Eco-Fleece Sweatshirt – Ships internationally
Alternative apparel have been doing the sustainable fashion thing for almost 24 years. The US-based brand use sustainable materials like this recycled polyester/organic cotton blend. They also source from WRAP-certified factories and has adopted the FLA Workplace Code of Conduct.
Anya Dress || Ships internationally
Mara Hoffman brings a fresh edge to sustainable fashion, with its emphasis on bold colours and diverse array of patterns. With an exclusive extended sizes range, the brand brings fun, edgy ethical fashion to all. Mara Hoffman seek to generate an awareness with their customers and hold themselves accountable throughout the supply chain, to their workers and the environment.
Classic Tank – available up to size XXL.
Conscious Clothing is 100% handmade and hand dyed natural fibre clothing. It uses environmentally friendly materials, including hemp, organic cotton, organic linen and recycled materials.
Editor's note: this article was updated in November 2018. Ratings correct at time of publication. Feature image via Girlfriend Collective. Additional images via the brands mentioned.
